Online password attack
Also called: password guessing
Course: AP® Cybersecurity Shows up in: Unit 1: Introduction to Security
An attack where an adversary tries to log in to a device or service using common passwords, common patterns or stolen passwords.
Appears in the course and exam description (CED): 1.2.A.11.2.A.21.2.B.2
Why it matters in Unit 1
Signs are many failed logins in a short time, logins at unusual times and logins from unknown devices.
Example
A sign-in log shows 50 failed attempts in one minute from an unknown device at 3 a.m.
Learn it properly, with a checkpoint 1.2 Suspicious Website LoginsGo deeper: the professional references
Security professionals worldwide use these. MITRE ATT&CK catalogs real attacker techniques; the NIST glossary is the U.S. government's official security dictionary. They go beyond the AP® course, so use the definition above for the exam.